View Full Version : Allergy testing
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 04:10
I'm thinking about having this test done - http://www.homeinonhealth.com/categories.php4?cPath=3_17
I did a finger pr1ck (actually had to pr1ck several fingers - nightmare) test years ago but that was for only 3 allergens. I chose egg white, grass and house dust mite from the list of available allergens. Dust mite was found to produce a high response, whereas grass and egg barely registered. I still think are other things I'm allergic to, hence my interest in the test.
The slight problem with the test is that a 5ml venous blood sample is needed. I don't fancy having to open a vein :D Can I just waltz into my doctors and ask them to take blood and give me it?
Charlie_Bubble
22-07-2005, 08:02
I'm thinking about having this test done - http://www.homeinonhealth.com/categories.php4?cPath=3_17
I did a finger pr1ck (actually had to pr1ck several fingers - nightmare) test years ago but that was for only 3 allergens. I chose egg white, grass and house dust mite from the list of available allergens. Dust mite was found to produce a high response, whereas grass and egg barely registered. I still think are other things I'm allergic to, hence my interest in the test.
The slight problem with the test is that a 5ml venous blood sample is needed. I don't fancy having to open a vein :D Can I just waltz into my doctors and ask them to take blood and give me it?
Did you notice this note on the second page?
Please Note: A full 5ml venous sample of blood is required for this test, and needs to be taken by a GP, practice nurse, or a fully qualified phlebotomist.
Your GP will probably charge you a small fee for this. Phone up and ask.
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 08:13
Did you notice this note on the second page?
Please Note: A full 5ml venous sample of blood is required for this test, and needs to be taken by a GP, practice nurse, or a fully qualified phlebotomist.
Your GP will probably charge you a small fee for this. Phone up and ask.
I did notice it but knowing GP's as well as I do, I couldn't see me just walking in, handing over a £10, and walking out with a blood sample. Sounds like a C5 documentary. I just wondered if there were any insiders on here.
If anyone wants to talk about their allergy/ies and experiences at the hands of the medical profession, feel free to do so.
You can get the tests done free at your doctors, there was a program done on TV a while ago and they sent about 5 samples off from the same person but under different names and they all came back with different results and I believe this is one of the companies that was on the program.
I know when I asked my doctor about it he said it was a waste of money and did them free for me :)
Yorktest is one of the more respected providers however there are some who produce some apparently whacky claims.....
It's also worth highlighting that there is a difference between allergies and sensitivities. An allergic reaction is a well documented process that is reasonably understood. Food sensitivities are much more contentious and some testers appear to make wild claims. There are stories about the results showing that the person is intolerant to a large number of foodstuffs which lead to that person avoiding them. They then went on to be malnourished.....
What is your motivation for being tested? Unless your symptoms are severe and effect you badly I wouldn't bother with this as it may lead to unnecessary neuroses ..... :)
Your first point of contact should be your GP as there are various things that the NHS can provide for allergies.....
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 18:26
Right. Bit of a saga coming up :D
I started in my mid-teens, as far as I remember, with bouts of sneezing. I'd look like a lab rabbit, sometimes sneezing a dozen times or more in a row. It effected pretty much everything I did - couldn't go far without a toilet roll. I've long since gave up on tissues and prefer a tea towel. It affected my concentration - was nearly knocked down a few times. The GP tried various antihistamines, including the dodgy Triludan, and none had much effect. Nasal sprays were also tried but they made me sneeze. The Dr's response was that they do this for a while, then the nose settles down. I sneeze enough, thanks all the same. I pretty much resigned myself to a life of sneezing.
About eight years ago I decided again to have a go at sorting out the allergy. I went to my doctors (different practice) and saw a female doctor who said that nothing could be done. I asked about allergy specialists and was told that there were none. I found out about an allergy testing kit - the one I mentioned - and that's how I found out about dust. I went back to my GP with this information and the response was that the test hadn't really helped because I couldn't avoid dust, so how had I improved things? I change my bedding regularly and hot wash it. I also try to keep dust levels to a minimum. These measures seem to have helped. After a bit more experimenting, I settled on cetirizine tablets - one a day, though sometimes I take three or four. I've been taking them ever since.
I still feel there are other things I'm allergic too - there are times when my sneezing is bad, but there's no explanation. I can leave the house on a rainy day and be fine, but later start sneezing. I recently saw an ENT surgeon about my tinitus - he said that my ears, nose and throat are all fine. Again, he suggested nasal sprays and wasn't happy when I said no. I think I've been labelled as an unco-operative patient. The surgeon wasn't too happy at my being well - I guess I wasted his time. I felt embarrassed.
Doctors know a lot of facts about illnesses and disease but rarely have any primary experience. I've also found that the majority of GPs only take an interest in systemic illnesses/disease, and problems affecting major organs. Everything else doesn't rate.
Poor GC :hugs:
I have had Perrennial Rhynitis most of my life and have learnt to live with it. Having said that it has got better over the years but I have never fussed about things being scrupulously clean etc nor bothered with the nasal spray so I suspect my nose gave up reacting so much.
Daftest thing is alcohol starts it up (larger, some alcopops and some wines), but not all varieties and not in a way I can pin down other than high sulfer content in wine. :shrug:
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 20:05
Poor GC :hugs:
Ta :) People don't understand how rough it gets :(
I have had Perrennial Rhynitis most of my life and have learnt to live with it. Having said that it has got better over the years but I have never fussed about things being scrupulously clean etc nor bothered with the nasal spray so I suspect my nose gave up reacting so much.
<surveys scene of devestation that is his bedroom> Well I wouldn't say I was scrupulously clean - unless the mother is visiting :D Everyone, apart from students, spends around 8 hrs in bed - the thing is full of dust mites, bits of dead dust mite, and dust mite ****e. Makes sense to keep it as clean as possible, with regular hot washing of bedding (including pillows and duvet). I think with age our immune systems weaken, which I guess lessens the allergic reaction.
Daftest thing is alcohol starts it up (larger, some alcopops and some wines), but not all varieties and not in a way I can pin down other than high sulfer content in wine. :shrug:
Tell me about it. I can't drink too much coffee. Some custard tarts seem to set me off. I had a rough few days of sneezing until I discovered that the traditional lemonade I'd bought from Tesco was the culprit. Tis weird :shrug:
budwieser
22-07-2005, 20:08
Right. Bit of a saga coming up :D
I started in my mid-teens, as far as I remember, with bouts of sneezing. I'd look like a lab rabbit, sometimes sneezing a dozen times or more in a row. It effected pretty much everything I did - couldn't go far without a toilet roll. I've long since gave up on tissues and prefer a tea towel. It affected my concentration - was nearly knocked down a few times. The GP tried various antihistamines, including the dodgy Triludan, and none had much effect. Nasal sprays were also tried but they made me sneeze. The Dr's response was that they do this for a while, then the nose settles down. I sneeze enough, thanks all the same. I pretty much resigned myself to a life of sneezing.
About eight years ago I decided again to have a go at sorting out the allergy. I went to my doctors (different practice) and saw a female doctor who said that nothing could be done. I asked about allergy specialists and was told that there were none. I found out about an allergy testing kit - the one I mentioned - and that's how I found out about dust. I went back to my GP with this information and the response was that the test hadn't really helped because I couldn't avoid dust, so how had I improved things? I change my bedding regularly and hot wash it. I also try to keep dust levels to a minimum. These measures seem to have helped. After a bit more experimenting, I settled on cetirizine tablets - one a day, though sometimes I take three or four. I've been taking them ever since.
I still feel there are other things I'm allergic too - there are times when my sneezing is bad, but there's no explanation. I can leave the house on a rainy day and be fine, but later start sneezing. I recently saw an ENT surgeon about my tinitus - he said that my ears, nose and throat are all fine. Again, he suggested nasal sprays and wasn't happy when I said no. I think I've been labelled as an unco-operative patient. The surgeon wasn't too happy at my being well - I guess I wasted his time. I felt embarrassed.
Doctors know a lot of facts about illnesses and disease but rarely have any primary experience. I've also found that the majority of GPs only take an interest in systemic illnesses/disease, and problems affecting major organs. Everything else doesn't rate.
Have you tested negative for HIV? Or even had an Aids test done yet?
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 20:11
Have you tested negative for HIV? or even had an Aids test done yet?
I can't see you winning Coggy's "Tactful Post of the Year" aware :erm: :D
I don't think there's a test for AIDS :erm: Also, I would expect an allergy to be less severe in someone with a compromised immune system.
I'm HIV negative, plus I've had my shots for Hep A and B :) We're not all disease ridden ;)
budwieser
22-07-2005, 20:33
I can't see you winning Coggy's "Tactful Post of the Year" aware :erm: :D
I don't think there's a test for AIDS :erm: Also, I would expect an allergy to be less severe in someone with a compromised immune system.
I'm HIV negative, plus I've had my shots for Hep A and B :) We're not all disease ridden ;)
I thought Aids and HIV were the same thing mate?
Glad you tested negative for it though!
Have you tested negative for HIV? Or even had an Aids test done yet?
:shocked: I don't think you are going to win diplomat of the year Bud
budwieser
22-07-2005, 20:47
:shocked: I don't think you are going to win diplomat of the year Bud
And?
A gay Man is asking about a problem he has.
I was just asking.:shrug:
Yes i know!!!!!!!!!!! I always use heavy handed tactics.
You could ask your Doctor to refer you here. There will be a referral protocol to assess your level of allergy but maybe worth a try if you can find a sympathetic GP?
http://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/directory/details.php?option=tsd&consultantID=335
You're right that Allergy is not treated well. Largely, I feel because it is not understood and unless you are in danger of anaphylaxis you are thought of as having a minor problem. No-one is quite sure why the incidence is increasing either.
I thought Aids and HIV were the same thing mate?
Glad you tested negative for it though!
They are not but that's another discussion......
:)
salu whilst you are here my freinds little girl 14mnth has very bad skin rashes (eczma) her docter refered her to a specialist 5 months ago at royal bolton any other ideas please :)
And?
A gay Man is asking about a problem he has.
I was just asking.:shrug:
Yes i know!!!!!!!!!!! I always use heavy handed tactics.
So would things be different if he wasn't gay?
greencreeper
22-07-2005, 22:11
I thought Aids and HIV were the same thing mate?
Glad you tested negative for it though!
In simple terms, AIDS is the result of HIV - the HIV destroys the immune system to the point where the patient has AIDS.
I was just asking.:shrug:
No offensive caused - I was just more than a little shocked at your directness. Not exactly a common human quality :)
You could ask your Doctor to refer you here. There will be a referral protocol to assess your level of allergy but maybe worth a try if you can find a sympathetic GP?
Not sure there are sympathetic GPs :( I can make an appointment and see what they say :shrug:
salu whilst you are here my freinds little girl 14mnth has very bad skin rashes (eczma) her docter refered her to a specialist 5 months ago at royal bolton any other ideas please :)
I bet you get this all the time, Salu :D I do too - only with computers.
I have eczema too markymoan - tends to come and go, usually just in small patches, often mirrored (if it appears on the top of one arm, it will appear on the top of the other shortly after). Itching drives me mad at times - must be awful for both child and parents :( I have white goo I smear on, plus assorted creams ranging from oatmeal via bee glue to steriod creams. I try to avoid the latter.
I'm thinking about having this test done -
The thing about these tests is that I'm dubious about how accurate they actually are and there hasn't, to my knowledge, yet been any proper scrutiny of the results.
If you went and got it and they said "you're allergic to X, Y and Z', that's fine, but if you went to another clinic and got a different test, would you get the same results?
For that matter, could you be sure you would get the same results if you got the first test done again?!
oatmeal via bee glue is that one or two things sorry if i sound thick but its a problem the kiddie has, and she (her mother ) asked me to ask and this thread was here so i did ( wot a gobfull )
greencreeper
23-07-2005, 00:25
In response to Graham - it's possible to be told that you're allergic to something, and be allergic to it as a result :spin:
I know I am allergic to dust. If my parents have been cleaning, I know about it. I also have problems sleeping in strange beds, so I tend to take my own pillow we me.
oatmeal via bee glue is that one or two things sorry if i sound thick but its a problem the kiddie has, and she (her mother ) asked me to ask and this thread was here so i did ( wot a gobfull )
Some people have found oatmeal to be helpful: http://www.aveeno.com/index.jsp My mum gave me a tube - she has skin problems too. I think the Dr prescribed it, though it's an over-the-counter product.
As for bee glue - see here: http://www.beehealth.co.uk/products1.html I use the skin cream on the smaller patches of eczema, dry skin, and acne.
More often than not, it's a case of experimenting to find what works :)
thank you very much i will tell her :tu:
salu whilst you are here my freinds little girl 14mnth has very bad skin rashes (eczma) her docter refered her to a specialist 5 months ago at royal bolton any other ideas please :)
No, that's the best advice. I presume your referral is to a dermatologist? I read something in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) once that early use and overuse of antibiotics may contribute to childhood eczema but that is only a hypothesis at the moment. Eczema and asthma can run in families too so she may be genetically predisposed. To treat eczema effectively is a combination of trialling different emollients, moisturisers and corticosteroids and most importantly being obsessively consistent with the treatment. Lots cut corners or forget etc due to the hassle.
It can also be caused by allergies and sunlight etc...
Doctors are not good at diagnosing skin problems unless they are dermatologists as the training we give is pretty basic. So, it may not be eczema...
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